Scottish Natural Heritage supports John Muir Award

Scottish Natural Heritage has continued to provide significant funding support for the John Muir Award in 2017-18. The sum of £96,000 equates to just under 50% funding for the John Muir Award in Scotland. Other significant funding and support comes from Scotland’s national parks, the Scottish Government, The Robertson Trust, and The Gannochy Trust.

Our environmental award scheme encourages people to enjoy, connect with and care for wild places. Key areas of focus include involving people in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland including the Central Belt, supporting 12-24 year olds to connect with nature, and working with both National Parks.

The Trust has also committed to back national campaigns around closing the poverty-related attainment gap in schools, Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map to 2020, and preparations for the Scottish Government themed Year of Young People 2018.

Caroline Fyfe, Funding Officer with Scottish Natural Heritage said: “In 1996 Scottish Natural Heritage funded the John Muir Trust to pilot the John Muir Award scheme. We’re delighted that today – nearly 20 years after it was launched – we are seeing continued growth in Award activity.

"A good example of the impact of Award involvement is the estimated 19,991 days of activity carried out in Scotland by participants to meet the Conserve Challenge last year – activity that was valued at £709,825 based on Heritage Lottery Fund figures. And it’s great to see more Awards being achieved by people from disadvantaged communities and groups in Scotland too, given the real impact we know this scheme can have on developing skills and raising attainment levels.”